The Best of All Possible Planets

As the vessel descended upon Mars, Candide adjusted his thin black tie, which gave to his questions an air of funeral importance. Below him lay the best of all possible planets: red, bare, costly, and lacking only what men had formerly required. Beside him sat Dr. Pangloss, professor of Exponential Providence, who regarded the desert with serenity. “Observe,” said Pangloss, “how much wiser Mars is…